§ 36. Mr. McGovernasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 671 a young conscript named Mr. Duncan, of 227, Ardgay Street, Shettleston, Glasgow, who was called for service to a South of England training depot for 15th July, 1939, received a postal order for 4s. for food on the journey of 18 hours; that 6d. per week was deducted from his pay to pay back the 4s.; that he was given a week-end pass during August bank holiday and had to pay his fare of £2 15s. return to Glasgow and back and was further granted leave before going on active service to France on 22nd September, and in again visiting his parents he had to pay the return fare of £2 15s. for a second time; and if he will inquire into these complaints with a view to providing free food during travel and free travel home before going on active service?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIf the hon. Member will give me the Army number and the unit with which Mr. Duncan is serving, I will investigate the case. Any militiaman joining his unit was given a free railway warrant and an advance of pay and ration allowance. Ordinary week-end leave, if applied for, is given at a man's own expense, but he has the advantage of a double journey for a single fare. On the facts, as stated, the soldier is entitled to the free embarkation leave which I announced in the House on 26th September, and the money will be refunded to him.
§ Mr. McGovernI will send any details which the right hon. Gentleman requires to clear up this matter, but will he see that in future any recruits coming from Scotland are granted leave and a free railway warrant? A London boy can go home easily, but a boy coming from Scotland is surely entitled to a free railway warrant because many of the parents are not in a position to pay the railway fare.
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaOn the facts stated the soldier is entitled to a free railway warrant, and that is why I have said that it should have been paid to him, and possibly has been paid to him by this time.